sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena : June 2025

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

African Leaders Call for Investment-First U.S. Partnership and Tariff Reform


African heads of state and finance leaders on Monday urged the United States to shift its approach from aid to investment and to immediately review punitive tariffs that hamper African exports. The appeal came during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit held in Luanda, where more than 2,000 delegates gathered.

Emirates, Uber Sign Strategic MoU to Enhance Travel Experience for Customers


Emirates and Uber have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at delivering smoother, more rewarding journeys for travellers. The partnership seeks to improve on-ground mobility for Emirates customers and extend loyalty benefits to Emirates Skywards members using Uber in select markets across the airline’s global network.

Mastercard Launches Afrobeat and Amapiano Anthems to Deepen Cultural Ties Across Africa


Mastercard is expanding its sonic branding in Africa with the release of two culturally resonant anthems: “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in the Amapiano style. Featuring top artists Mayorkun from Nigeria and Sho Madjozi from South Africa, the tracks fuse Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rich musical heritage of the continent.

Sunday, 22 June 2025

Nigerians Without NIN Could Soon Be Barred from Accessing Credit


Nigeria is on the verge of a transformative policy shift that will link access to credit with the National Identification Number (NIN), in a bid to build a more transparent and accountable financial system. This change represents a pivotal step in encouraging responsible borrowing and strengthening economic inclusion across the country. As conversations intensify, the implications are becoming clear: having a NIN may soon become a non-negotiable requirement for securing any type of credit.

The Mirror We’re Building: How AI and Robotics Are Learning Us, and Reshaping What It Means to Be Human


We are living in a moment that future historians may look back on as a pivot point in human evolution—not biological evolution, but cognitive and societal transformation. It is not the tools we are building, but what those tools are beginning to understand about us and how they are beginning to change us in return that signals something unprecedented.

Nigeria Makes History as Double Champions at African Flag Football Debut


Nigeria's women’s and men’s flag football teams have made history by becoming the first-ever champions of the IFAF African Flag Football tournament, marking a milestone in the sport’s journey toward a debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Smarter Viewing, Safer Eyes: Why LG’s 4K TV Sets a New Standard for Home Entertainment


In today’s digital age, the television has transformed from a simple screen into a central entertainment and lifestyle hub. A modern 4K TV is now expected to deliver stunning picture quality, smart functionality, and features that promote wellness. Whether you’re streaming Dolby Vision content, gaming at 120Hz, or casting from your smartphone, choosing the right TV has never been more important.

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Nigeria Set to Spotlight Mining Potential at African Mining Week 2025


As Nigeria pushes forward with its mining ambitions, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, the continent’s leading mining industry event scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, will feature a dedicated session highlighting the country’s mineral prospects and investment-ready projects.

Rolls-Royce Strengthens African Presence with New Regional Headquarters, Training Hub in Johannesburg

...New Facility to Enhance Service Delivery, Skills Development 


Rolls-Royce has inaugurated a new regional headquarters and training centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division. This expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the African continent and will serve the growing number of mtu mobile and stationary power systems operating across critical sectors such as energy, technology, mining, transportation, and oil & gas.

Moscow Launches First Permanent Gallery Space for African Contemporary Art


A significant milestone in global cultural exchange has been achieved with the launch of Moscow’s first permanent space dedicated to contemporary African art. The inaugural exhibition, titled “And Behold!”, was unveiled by the I-A Gallery, offering Russian audiences a vibrant and immersive introduction to the contemporary African art scene.

Sofri Launches Revamped Mobile App, Corporate Internet Banking to Empower Nigerian Businesses


Sofri, the innovative digital banking platform powered by Links Microfinance Bank, has announced the official launch of its revamped mobile app and the introduction of Corporate Internet Banking (CIB) services designed for SMEs and institutional clients.

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

NGX Explores Strategic Partnership with Shanghai Stock Exchange for Sustainable Market Growth


The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has called for a strategic collaboration with the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) to foster sustainable growth in Nigeria’s capital market.

Bolt Celebrates Driver Loyalty and Expands Brand Visibility with Family Fest in Lagos


Bolt, Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, recently hosted the Bolt Family Fest in Lagos, a large-scale event aimed at celebrating driver loyalty, recognising top performers, and deepening community engagement across its network. With Lagos as its biggest market in Nigeria, the city was a fitting backdrop for this dynamic celebration of growth and partnership.

GTCO to Deduct USSD Fees Directly From Airtime Balance Starting Today


Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has announced that beginning June 18, it will start deducting the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) fee directly from customers’ airtime balances.

Nigerian Stock Market Surges to Record High as Investors Pocket N1.18 Trillion


The Nigerian stock market closed on a bullish note Tuesday as the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) hit a new record high, buoyed by a rally in blue-chip stocks. Investors gained approximately N1.18 trillion following a surge in demand for heavyweight tickers.

Ibukun Awosika Unveils African Marketplace Dubai 2025: A Premier Platform Showcasing African and Caribbean Excellence


The Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA) has announced the inaugural edition of African Marketplace Dubai 2025, a global platform spotlighting export-ready small and medium enterprises (SMEs), brands, and products from Africa and the Caribbean. Representing sectors including fashion, agribusiness, tech, textiles, and the creative arts, the event aims to connect regional innovation to global opportunities.

Liverpool Owners FSG Eye Potential Getafe Acquisition in Multi-Club Expansion


Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of Premier League champions Liverpool, are exploring the possibility of acquiring Spanish top-flight club Getafe as part of a broader push to build a global multi-club network, according to a report by The Times.

PRISM Awards 2025 Now Open for Entries


The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has opened entries for the PRISM Awards 2025, marking a new chapter in celebrating excellence in public relations and communication across Southern Africa. The entry window remains open until 7 August.

Creative Campaigns Under Pressure: 97% of Agencies Report Major Hurdles


A new survey from the Project Management Institute (PMI) reveals that 97% of creative agencies encountered major challenges in executing campaigns over the past year, amid mounting pressure to deliver fresh, engaging content in an oversaturated market.

Oando Foundation Expands Environmental Education Initiative to 50 More Schools Across Nigeria

...Phase V of “Clean Our World” Project Launches in FCT and Delta State, Sustains Impact in Lagos and Plateau


Oando Foundation, an independent charity established to support Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, has launched Phase V of its flagship environmental education initiative, “Clean Our World” (COW). The new phase expands the program to 50 additional schools, including new implementations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Delta State, while strengthening activities in Lagos and Plateau States to ensure deeper impact and long-term sustainability.

Why We Acquired UK Fintech Pillar - LemFi


LemFi has acquired Pillar, a UK-based fintech startup focused on credit scoring, marking a strategic move into the credit space as the remittance platform broadens its financial offerings.

Friday, 13 June 2025

Coca-Cola Unveils Fest Luanda: A Vibrant Celebration of Angolan Culture, Music, and Food


Coca-Cola has announced the launch of Coca-Cola Fest Luanda, a flagship brand experience in Angola. This vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM at the iconic Luanda Bay Waterfront, in front of the Fortaleza Shopping Center.

Ghana Drives AfCFTA Agenda to Strengthen Intra-African Trade


Ghana is accelerating the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock broader opportunities for local businesses by moving beyond the export of raw commodities like gold, oil, and cocoa, and focusing on value addition.

Global Ad Spend Forecast Cut Amid Budget Pullbacks by Retailers, Automakers

...Chinese brands shift focus as US trade tensions escalate


A new study from WARC, the experts in marketing effectiveness, has revealed that global advertising spend is now projected to grow by 6.2% this year to $1.16 trillion. This marks a downgrade of half a percentage point from WARC’s March forecast, as economic volatility and trade tensions intensify. Key sectors including retail (down 6.1%) and automotive (down 4.0%) are pulling back on ad budgets, while growth among technology and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands has slowed.

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Egypt Secures $184.1 Million from African Development Bank for Continent’s Largest Solar, Battery Storage Project


The African Development Bank Group has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support Egypt’s Obelisk solar energy project, a 1-gigawatt photovoltaic plant integrated with a 200MWh battery storage system, making it the largest of its kind in Africa.

World Cup 2026: Visa Names 17-Year-Old Lamine Yamal as Ambassador in Bold Youth-Driven Campaign


As the countdown begins for what will be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, taking place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026, Visa has made a headline-grabbing move: naming 17-year-old football sensation Lamine Yamal as its official ambassador for the tournament.

Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery After Two Decades of Leadership


Aliko Dangote, billionaire industrialist and one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, has announced his retirement as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. This marks the end of a transformative 20-year tenure, effective June 16, 2025.

Al Ahli Tripoli and Petro de Luanda to Clash in 2025 BAL Finals in South Africa on June 14

...Al Ittihad and APR Set for Third-Place Game on June 13


The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals are officially set. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) will take on Petro de Luanda (Angola) on Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m. CAT at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, concluding the league’s landmark fifth season.

MultiChoice Subscriber Base Shrinks by 2.8 Million Amid Economic Pressures, Streaming Competition


MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv, has shed approximately 2.8 million subscribers as persistent economic pressures weigh heavily on households across its African markets.

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Meta Launches AI-Powered Video Editing Tool for Creative Storytelling


Meta has introduced a new generative AI video editing feature, now available in the Meta AI app, on the Meta.AI website, and in the Edits app. This feature allows users to apply preset AI prompts to transform short-form videos, changing outfits, locations, lighting, and more, before sharing them directly to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Meta’s Discover feed.

Rite Foods Champions Ojude Oba Festival, Showcases Cultural Commitment


Rite Foods Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry, powered this year’s Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebuland, Ogun State, reaffirming its commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement at the event held on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

TAJBank Launches N20 Billion Second Tranche of Mudarabah Sukuk Bond


TAJBank, a prominent non-interest financial institution in Nigeria, has finalised the agreement for the N20 billion second tranche of its N100 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond programme.

Premier League TV Ratings Drop Following Lackluster Season


Sky Sports and TNT Sports, the Premier League’s primary domestic broadcasters, both experienced a decline in viewership of up to 14 per cent during the 2024/25 season, according to figures obtained by The Times.

SEC Reiterates Ban on Crypto Bridge Exchange in Nigeria


The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated that Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), operating under the name ST Technologies International Ltd., is still banned from operating in Nigeria.

Emirates SkyCargo Expands Freighter Services Between Europe and Global Markets

...New weekly charter flights boost trade between Milan and Southeast China


Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has expanded its freighter operations across Europe, strengthening connections with key points on its global network. Strategically located between East and West, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in facilitating global trade with speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Global Out-of-Home Advertising Sees Robust Growth and Rapid Consolidation, Says WOO President


The World Out of Home Organisation (WOO) President, Tom Goddard, addressed over 600 delegates from 58 countries during a keynote speech at the WOO Annual Congress held in Mexico City, highlighting major strides in the global Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector.

Plateau Deputy Governor Applauds Oando Foundation for Advancing Education Access


In a strong endorsement of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in education, Her Excellency, Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Josephine Piyo, has praised Oando Foundation, an independent charity committed to supporting Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education goals, for its sustained efforts in reintegrating out-of-school children through its LEARNOVATE-FLIP (Foundational Learning Improvement Programme) initiative.

Sunday, 8 June 2025

Trump and Musk Feud Highlights the Consequences of Unchecked Wealth in American Politics


Elon Musk has publicly declared the extent of his political influence in the United States, exposing what is usually kept behind closed doors: the power of billionaire money in electoral outcomes.

TECNO Expands Role as Official Global Partner of AFCON 2025 and 2027


Chinese mobile phone manufacturer TECNO has announced an expanded partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reaffirming its position as the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations for Morocco 2025 and KE-UG-TA 2027. The partnership builds on its successful involvement in 2023, where it served as the exclusive smartphone sponsor for the tournament.

MultiChoice Trading Profit Slumps 50% Amid Forex Pressures, Streaming Competition


MultiChoice has issued a warning to investors of a sharp drop in its financial performance, reporting a 50% decline in trading profit for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

Premier League Gambling Sponsorship Ban: What It Means for Football Fans, Financial Wellbeing, and Future Brand Partners


The Premier League's decision to ban gambling sponsorships on the front of team shirts starting from the 2026/27 season is more than a policy change; it's a pivotal moment in the evolution of football marketing. While much of the conversation has focused on the financial impact for clubs, this move also raises essential questions about the psychological effects of gambling advertising and the types of brands that should be associated with the world’s most-watched football league.

Publicis Groupe Africa Names Ashish Williams as Senior VP of Media


Publicis Groupe Africa has appointed Ashish Williams as Senior Vice President of Media, signaling a strengthened focus on delivering future-fit, innovative media solutions across the continent.

Meta Unveils Instagram Teen Accounts in Nigeria to Promote Safer Digital Spaces


Meta has officially launched Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more controlled online experiences for young users. The initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy to enhance online safety for teenagers across Africa.

Ecobank Transnational Appoints CFO Ayo Adepoju as Group Executive Director


The Board of Directors of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, has appointed Ayo Adepoju, the current Group Chief Financial Officer, as Group Executive Director, effective June 4, 2025.

Monday, 2 June 2025

Mexico to Co-Host 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup with United States


Mexico will co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside the United States, according to emerging reports.

Equity Group Dismisses Over 1,200 Employees in Sweeping Internal Fraud Crackdown


Equity Group has dismissed more than 1,200 employees as part of a sweeping effort to clamp down on internal fraud, CEO James Mwangi confirmed this week. The move, one of the most extensive in Kenya’s banking history, follows an internal investigation that uncovered widespread staff collusion with fraudsters, resulting in financial losses exceeding KES 2 billion (approximately $15.4 million) over the past two years.

Nigeria Unveils 2025 Transparency Index Framework to Deepen Public Sector Accountability


The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) have officially launched the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) Methodology Handbook.

Bukola Bakare Announced as Incoming District 9111 Governor


Rotarian Bukola Bakare has been formally announced as the District 9111 Governor Nominee, set to succeed the current District Governor, Rotarian Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi. The unveiling took place during a well-attended event at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

A Bold Step Forward: WHX Lagos 2025 Kicks Off to Shape the Future of Healthcare


The atmosphere was electric as WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos 2025 officially opened today at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for West Africa’s healthcare and laboratory sectors.

Revolutionising Home Living: LG’s Smart Refrigerators Put Wellness and Convenience at the Forefront


LG has recently launched its "Eco System" and "Care" campaign, designed to enhance everyday living and home experiences through AI-powered, innovative technology. The campaign features a range of smart home appliances, entertainment systems, and health-focused products, all seamlessly integrated into daily routines via LG ThinQ.